Human blood powers this chilling synth experiment

The work, by Russian artist Dmitry Morozov (aka ::vtol::), is powered by batteries filled with his own red stuff. It's called Until I Die and was shown last December in Ljublana's Kapelica gallery. Morozov built up his blood collection over 18 months amassing four and a half litres, which was then diluted to seven litres during a preservation process to keep it sterile and useful.

An electronic component makes noise using energy provided by the blood's metallic ingredients, and is apparently - so says the artist - inspired by the writings of Alexander Bognadov who discussed ways staying eternally youthful via blood transfusions.

"This device would be something that is in all but name me, that uses my vitality to create electronic sounds," Morozov writes. "Moreover, I become the observer, looking at my own performance by a device that exists as a result of my efforts and is located outside my body. Thus, although for only a short period of time, I can achieve my own creative existence. The brevity of the installation’s lifespan is a core ingredient. In its ephemerality it resembles a Buddhist colored-sand mandala, which is drawn as a part of a specific sacrament and requires extreme focus. It is then ritualistically dismantled, symbolizing the frailty of life. Exhibiting the installation after its launch means observing the swift decay of life. "

This isn't Morozov's first dalliance with bizarre installations - he's also made a laser-powered drum machine based on Léon Theremin’s Rhythmicon.